DHB chiefs are bracing themselves to make deep cuts to their services next year after receiving Government indications their funding will slip.

Auckland's controversial new community laboratory service poses "a real risk" to public safety, NZ's top health watchdog says.

Delays at Labtests' blood collection centres are being attributed in part to the company not knowing which centres patients would go to.

Health Minister Tony Ryall is distancing himself from a controversial recommendation that would in effect resurrect part of National's '90s health system.